The scout hut in Abbotts Road, Cheam, is getting a make-over - thanks to the Community Payback initiative which involves low-level offenders carrying out community-based tasks as part of their sentence.

Work on starting to clear the overgrown trees and shrubs from the grounds commenced yesterday (Tuesday 24th January) for five hours from 10am supervised by the Cheam Safer Neighbourhoods Team, who are working closely with Sutton Council and London Probation Trust.

Cheam SNT hope this will be part of a continuing Community Payback project to carry out external and internal work to the 2nd Cheam Scout Hut, such as clearing gutters, smartening up fences and painting ceilings - and possibly providing a grass area for sporting activities at the rear of the building. Sutton Council has agreed to collect any rubbish and undergrowth. The work is due to resume on 31st January and may take place on two days each month for about six months.
PC Gill De'Voreaux, of Cheam SNT, said: “They really put their backs into it and worked hard.” A spokesman for London Probation Trust said it is going to be good for the offenders to see the difference they are making to a community building.